49ers' Mac Jones linked to two desperate trade destinations

The San Francisco 49ers have a great problem on their hands right now.

They're fully committed to Brock Purdy, who has played well enough to earn that confidence, but they also have one of the best backup quarterbacks in the game.

With no clear path to starting, Mac Jones' skills are going to waste on the 49ers' bench. Of course, they have him as premium insurance, but other teams might be willing to break the bank to get him.

Considering that, Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox pointed to the Atlanta Falcons and Minnesota Vikings as two potential suitors for the former first-round pick.

Vikings, Falcons could trade for Mac Jones

"The unknown is how long San Francisco will prioritize quarterback insurance over an intriguing return," Knox wrote. "Jones is practically guaranteed to depart in 2027 free agency. He could potentially net a big haul from a playoff hopeful in search of a starting quarterback. A conditional second-round pick that can become a first might be enough to get a deal done."

While that might be a steep return for a backup, especially in a stacked class, quarterbacks often go at a premium.

Kyler Murray didn't look good in training camp and struggled early in his debut. The Vikings will give him a chance, but how long a leash will they give him after moving on from a former first-round pick?

As for the Falcons, Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. are both underwhelming and injury-prone, but the rest of the roster looks solid. Will they waste another season over subpar quarterback production? 

Granted, Jones didn't look the part early on in his career, but he was actually a starting-caliber guy last season after attending the Kyle Shanahan school of offense.

And as much as the Niners would love to keep him around, they'll most likely lose him without getting anything in return. Will they be able to resist getting a conditional second-rounder for a guy who's almost a lock to walk away?